Two of the best spots in Manchester, Hawksmoor and Burgerism, have come together to create a brand new smash patty special sandwiched between two perfect Pollen Bakery bakery buns for one of the best burgers you’ll find anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Trust us, we’ve tried it and it did not disappoint.
Having officially dropped on Monday, 9 October, the Hawksmoor x Burgerism‘Smashed Patty Special’ is one of the hottest new culinary collaborations anywhere in the region, with the two brands combining their respective talents and award-winning expertise on red meat for this limited-time-only burger.
You have a week to eat this thing and we seriously recommend you do.
Credit: The Manc Group
Being served up from the Hawksmoor site in Deansgate, renowned for its luxurious setting on the corner of Spinningfields, the restaurant already showcases the very best dry-aged beef, sustainable seafood and seasonal farm produce from the UK. And things only get better when there’s a burger involved.
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As for Salford-based spot, Burgerism — which now boasts five different locations across the UK and serves over 10,000 hungry fans per week with their classic meal being the most-ordered dish in Manchester on Deliveroo — their involvement is as simple: make a delicious but no-nonsense burger.
And that’s exactly what they did.
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Keeping it real (as they always do), the duo have managed to create an uncomplicated, straight-down-the-middle smashed burger that still feels like ultimate indulgence where every bite is packed with flavour. It costs £16 and they’ve made sure you taste every penny’s worth.
The special is comprised of two grilled beef and bone-marrow smashed patties, cooked over charcoal in traditional Hawksmoor fashion; Dewley red Leicester, Burgerism’s famous recipe burger sauce, gherkins, lettuce, tomato and a Pollen Bakery sesame-seeded brioche bun to top it off. Phwoar.
It’s always hard to sum these things up in just a few lines but the first two things that came out of our mouths after taking a couple of bites were, “It’s basically the best of Burgerism in 4K” and “like a luxury Big Mac on steroids”. The bun itself was cloud-level fluffy too — an added bonus.
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If you knew the extent of our love for all three of these things, you’d understand the level of praise we’re dishing out here.
Available exclusively until Sunday, 15 October only from the Hawksmoor bar area, you can book in to eat the Hawksmoor x Burgerism x Pollen ‘Smashed Patty Special’ HERE, or you can always try for a walk-in if you’re feeling lucky.
There’s another burger that’s been on our minds lately too and it’s also a limited-edition affair, so you best not mess about:
You can now have dinner in the actual dressing rooms at Co-op Live
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has now launched exclusive backstage dining experiences – which means you could be having dinner inside the very dressing rooms that have hosted music megastars.
These new groundbreaking new Backstage Private Dining experiences feature menus curated by Simon Rimmer.
This will be the first time that the arena’s most exclusive artist areas have been open to guests.
There’ll be 10 selected dates from May 2026, where ticket-holders can eat dinner in dressing rooms that were previously occupied by the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen.
Guests will be able to choose from several packages, from intimate receptions and private three-course dinners inside the dressing rooms, to lavish extras like a Bentley chauffeur-driven arrival, live entertainment, and extended backstage access.
The most premium package will also offer access to Co-op Live’s adidas Originals recording studio.
Proceeds from the Backstage Private Dining will go towards supporting Co-op Live’s official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation, which tackles inequality and supports communities across the UK.
Chef Simon Rimmer commented: “Having worked with Co-op Live for some time, it’s incredibly exciting to now be involved with this unique series of Backstage Private Dining.
“It’s a rare opportunity to further combine the world-class music venue with exceptional food, and I can’t wait to showcase how these experiences can come to life together, creating truly unforgettable evenings for our guests.”
Becci Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op Live, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to challenge expectations of what an arena can deliver, and we’re now delighted to introduce a new dimension of premium hospitality at Co-op Live.
“This collaboration unlocks new creative potential within the venue, offering experiences that have not previously been possible. It reflects our commitment to innovation and meaningful impact within the communities we support.”
Designed and delivered in partnership with Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), Founder and CEO Liz Taylor said: “Opportunities like this are rare. Co-op Live is a venue built for scale, spectacle and ambition — and that’s exactly how we are approaching these events.
“Whether it’s an intimate milestone celebration or a brand hosting at the highest level, these will be immersive, one-night-only experiences designed to deliver real impact. We are proud to have been chosen to help shape this next chapter, bringing creativity, precision and bold thinking to a space that demands nothing less.”
Salford industrial estate bakery with incredible cinnamon rolls to open new site
Daisy Jackson
Mayya Bakery, a local ‘hidden gem’ with incredible cinnamon rolls, is set to open a brand-new bakery that will make it significantly less hidden.
Until now, Mayya has been quietly trading from an industrial estate in Salford, where it’s built a great reputation for its bakes despite an off-the-beaten-track-location and relatively little social media fanfare.
It opened its doors in 2024, operated by former primary school teacher Meli and her husband, dentist Oguz.
This is an artisan bakery with a real Turkish flare, with plenty of comfort food like freshly made gözleme (or gozzies for short) and bigger dishes if you fancy sitting in.
Their counters are stuffed with sweet bakes, like their perfect cinnamon rolls, plus loaves, babka, cookies, and homemade cheesecake.
For bigger dishes, you’ll find breakfast dishes like Turkish eggs, Simit (a traditional sesame bagel) breakfasts, and menemen.
The counters at Mayya Bakery’s current locationIncredible cheesecake at Mayya BakerySigns on Chapel Street Salford for the new Mayya Bakery
And now Mayya Bakery has revealed plans to open a new location in a much more prominent spot in town, with signs appearing in the windows of a unit on Chapel Street.
The sign reads: “Everything is homemade – including this picture.”
It also quips: “They called us hidden gem… not hidden anymore.”
Mayya will open on Chapel Street soon – keep an eye on our food and drink Instagram page The Manc Eats for the latest.
Danny Jones -
9th October 2023 
